MENSWEAR SS2016: Sandal? You mean the ‘mandal’!

If we ask you what makes the man? It’s the beard. The masculinity. The lower voice. Perhaps his rough jeans and feel for casualty. But hell to the no this will include socks in sandals. Dark sartorial times. They don’t call it ‘the sad-dad’ look for nothing, folks. It’s actually number 1,2 ánd 3 on the list of ‘don’t ever try this at home’. Until there was this very handsome person named David Beckham (actually the Pope was first, but hey, let’s keep it interesting shall we) who wore his white sport socks (yikes!) in his white Adidas slippers (more yikes!). And all of sudden it got the cool-factor and it became a huge fashion statement. And with even The Biebs and lovely ladies like Rita Ora, Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen and Elle Fanning stepping out in them, it was only a matter of time before it was socially accepted.

The funny thing is, the sandal remains summer’s most divisive and unlikely trend for men. You may now be shaking your head grimly, but the good thing is, though, this time we’re talking proper leather sandals here (the so called ‘mandal’), not those cheap rubber flip-flops. And a bunch of heavy weight designers is showing you how to wear it, everyone from Gucci, Versace, Michael Kors, Marni, Kenzo and Maison Margiela. Most times it’s teamed up with a smart and tailored look, which is even more surprising. But let’s not forget: Fashion is not only here to make you feel more confident, but also to take you out of your comfortzone. One warning: Choose wisely. Tanned legs are a must. Thin socks and stylish sandals make sure you don’t cross the fine line between Beckham-sexy and lost German tourist.

MENSWEAR SS2016: Keep your hat up

Dear men, we finally have the perfect excuse for you to tell your girlfriend why you’re still wearing your hat (and no, you’re not a boy anymore and yes, you’re a very mature man). This trend may please and excite a lot of men who already wear hats as their daily signature (do we hear some cheering in the background?!). Hats and caps play a massive part for this spring/summer, being featured in the major shows like Ferragamo, Versace, Gucci, Calvin Klein, Balmain, Saint Laurent and Fendi. They’re the finishing touch to any outfit and nowadays can compliment almost every guy and every look, wether is smart, casual or sporty.

We checked off the funny trucker hat from Saint Laurent and the baret style at Gucci and Emporio Armani. But it’s the curved-brim baseball cap that takes the cake, coming in all coloures and more importantly in premium materials. The most on-point examples are made from leather and wool. And this is what makes it suitable for almost any look, not only when you the sporty slash streetwear kind of guy. We’re talking the new luxurious sport look here. The conventional distinction between ‘the streets’ and high fashion designers is crumbling, the two worlds are actually melting together, thanks to people like Kanye West, Pharrell and A$AP Rocky (who’s the new face of Dior Homme!). And wearing a good cap is for now definitely a home run for all you fellas out there.

WOMENSWEAR SS16: Unironed business

Don’t like ironing (who does by the way)? We have the best news for you: crumpled fabric is a key detail trend this season (yay!). Yep, it’s hot catwalk material. And that gives you way more time in the morning, sounds good right? A wrinkled dress seems like a huge fashion faux pas, but not if we ask the big boys in fashion. Take your cue from Victoria Beckham, Altuzarra, Thakoon, Rick Owens, Yohji Yamamoto and Givenchy who all decided to lack a little on the ironing part. Even the most delicate, silk (slip)dresses were wrinkled. And we have to admit: it still has this easy breezy elegance you wish for in summer. Going for a casual daytime look? Watch for Victoria Beckham or Altuzarra. Heading out for dinner or a party tonight? Take note from Nina Ricci or Givenchy. Finish it off with some statement accessories and these awesome summer it-shoes, and prepare to dance the night away.

BEAUTY TREND SS2016: Easy breezy summer (h)air

Oh yes! Summer is finally happening. Time to enjoy the sun rays, ocean breeze and mojito’s (like we need an excuse for that anyway). Summer excites us, and that’s for lots of reasons. And one of them is that this change of weather makes us want to try new things that fit the season. Not only the clothes, but also hair do’s that match our wardrobes and do well when it’s hot and steamy outside. We selected one of the coolest do’s to rock this summer. And let us tell you one thing: If you’re craving a dramatic hair change, now is the perfect time.

1. Straight Up
Bring in the straitening iron. The straighter the hair, the better. If you want to go all the way, do it like Mary Katrantzou’s girls and go for a wet-look with a side part. Plus, a little bit of cooling down never hurts anyone.

2. Buzzcut
Well, this will definitely create a buzz. That’s for sure. This one’s for the bold gals, not afraid to be less ‘lady-like’. Take for example British catwalk dominator Ruth Bell, the coolest model on the block right now. With her blonde buzz cut but delicate facial features, you will remember her from the very first moment. Now, the 19-year-old has been walking for the biggest brands, like Max Mara, Gucci, Versace and Etro and is the face of Saint Laurents Cruise 2016 campaign. Wether you like it or not, at least this cut is highly summer proof.

3. Boyish crop
Next to the buzz cut, we have the boyish cut. Same category, but slightly different. And the best way to present this to you is through model and Alex Wang favourite, Isabella Emmack. She chopped off her long brunette tresses to change it for a punky, black, pixie cut. It has a manly appearance but in a soft and cool way, don’t you think?

4. Pastel
It’s impossible to miss that pastels are a huge thing this season. Same goes for our runway models. We’ve counted many pinkish slash coral slash Rose Quartz coloured hair do’s. Look at those baby pink locks at Louis Vuitton (pow pow!) or the coral-toned appearances at Carven. And how about Westwood’s take on pastel wigs?

5. Cool and c-c-curly
Or you take it as big, bold and beautiful as one of our favourite Dutchies Imaan Hammam. Or the other option is to play it less obvious and glam, but still rock your summer with cropped curls.

6. Hair accessories
From flower clips, tiaras and ribbon ties. For the perfect examples take a look at DVF, Rodarte, Saint Laurent, Chanel and Lanvin.

WOMENSWEAR SS2016: The metallic movement

You could think of this as something that belongs to glitzy granny’s in Advanced Style, Lady Gaga or ’10 outfits Only Samantha Jones Can Wear’. But as a matter of fact, shiny gold fabric and metallics are a huge trend (ever since 2014) and seem to make a lasting impression. Although it feels like a throwback to the 80’s, don’t be scared, cause the metallic trend is less space man and over the top than you might think. It’s actually more out of this world. That means: modern, classy and sophisticated. Even sexy.

It’s becoming more and more versatile and it can be as simple as teaming a metallic skirt or trousers with a simple white shirt for a less boring everyday look (looking at you Loewe). Or have a look at Chanel on how to add a metallic shoe, purse or hand glove (how Michael Jackon can it be) to your outfit. Bright metallic accessories is a proper and easy way to add a a little va-va-voom. And literally shine all night with all the girls wearing a sparkly metallic (slip)dress (check check, Saint Laurent). And if, if you dare to take it up another notch, show your wild side with Prada’s golden lips. How sassy! All else there’s left is just a bunch of confidence.

WOMENSWEAR TREND SS2016: Ponytail Plus

Sure, the clothes are very important during fashion week. But no finishing business without the hair. A woman prizes her hair over anything else. It’s like a big cream cake that needs some strawberries to top it off, right? Luckily, the majority of hair and beauty trends are surprisingly easy to pull off (woohoo!), like the upgraded ponytail.

We know the classic ponytail for years and years now. It’s something our mothers loved giving us to dress up with. Nothing new about that. But this season we see many different spins on this golden oldie. Because same shit, different day, it makes you bored out of your mind. The great thing about ponytails is that it’s pretty easy to DIY and still make you look completely different ánd sophisticated. So how to upgrade the usual ponytail? You have several options. According to Oscar de la Renta and Dior, add a classic fabric accessory ASAP. Just a simple ribbon around it can do the trick. Want something more classy and high fashion, opt for Balmain’s high, slick variation. And Marni, Miu Miu, and Chanel only had one important question: why stick to one when you can have two? Bring in the double tails gals! Although it’s a risky look, because it might result in something really girly and youthful, there are enough examples of how to pull it off as an adult. And with the daring make-up looks and likewise attitude, it wasn’t even close to girlish. It was actually le freak c’est chic.

Recap Paris Fashion Week FW2016

As the old saying goes, it ain’t over ’til Paris sings. And boy oh boy, did she sang. The fashion gods have spoken their final words, the trends are set, no blanc pages left in our notebooks and our iPhones filled with Insta-material for at least two decades. Alors, let’s take a look on what the City of Light had to offer us for next winter.

1. Velvet
A big trend in every fashion capital. It will get a touchy season for sure, thanks to Kenzo, Dries van Noten and Miu Miu. And we won’t go to sleep before we get our hands on those Haider Ackermann velvet suits.

2. Suit yourself
Once a lady, not always a lady. At least, not in the classic and girly sense. We can pull of a suit just as good as a man, maybe even better, thanks to Balenciaga, Haider Ackermann and Hermes. Let’s get in touch with your more masculine side. The options our countless and f-f-f-ancy.

3. Layer the dress
It’s fun to take the classic dress out of its comfort zone and put it in a whole new and different context. And see, it can still be sexy as hell if you wear it with a turtleneck, sweater or shirt underneath. Take note at Carven, Lanvin and Rochas.

4. Powerpuff girls
Balenciaga, Stella McCartney and Chanel all told us it’s okay to exaggerate and make yourself a few times bigger. Don’t be shy gals.

5. Drop the shoulders
Shoulders play a major part this season. Although this is the right time to exaggerate, we also felt something something for the pushed-back necklines and sliding off shoulder look. Holla at Dior, Celine and Rick Owens.

6. Baller boots
By far the best shoes to tackle the nasty cold (and still look fabulous). Wether you’re in the city or out on the country. We would like to shop them at Givenchy, Sonia Rykiel and Chanel.

Miu Miu Catwalk Fashion Show Paris Womenswear FW2016

It’s needless to say that velvet is a huge trend this season.The venue of the miu miu show was even designed with velvet seats in orange, yellow, blue and green. It already gave us clue of what was about to come (and something very comfy for our bum to sit on after so many shows, good thinking Miuccia).  So of course it didn’t surprise when the ribbed velvet outdoor jackets came along. It makes us wanna skip summer and go straight on to winter 2016 (okay, that’s a lie, but hello wish list material). Just like another big player in this show: denim. If you’re planning on taking your love for the blue allrounder up to a next level, Miuccia gave you plenty of inspiration too choose from. The blue garment was in almost every look, wether on top, bottom or head to toe denim, just make sure you wardrobe counts some denim jackets, blazers, maxi-skirts, blouses and trenches. Cause nothing more versatile, wether you combine it with white shirting, military tailoring, waxed outdoor jackets, tweeds and wallpaper jacquards.  The third big player were pearls, seen on purses, belts, the rims of several eyewear and pearl-encrusted sandals. And we couldn’t help but silently laugh when seeing the pearly baubles on top of those fluffy flip-flops. In the end, that’s what Miuccia wanted, she told everyone. She wanted it to be fun and get people excited. No wonder why the label also recently launched a new app called Miu Miusic (great name by the way), bringing together music, technology, graphic design, and the label’s runway shows. This woman knows how to play her business on every level and it’s great fun for sure.

Valentino Catwalk Fashion Show Paris Womenswear FW2016

It’s hard to top the Zoolander surprise appearance during their last FW2015 show. Derek Zoolander and Hansel (aka Ben Stiller and Owen Wilson) showed up at the end of the Valentino show, each doing his world-known “Blue Steel.” It took the social media crowd and fashion world by storm. Would they pull this off again, without this huge crowd-pleasing element? The show may not have been as spectaculair and entertaining, its theme was about performance though, yet on another level. They dragged us into the magic world of ballet and modern dance, inspired by the movement of ballet dresses and dance films such ‘They shoot horses don’t they?’ With Vanessa Redgrave. Something that fits perfectly with the Valentino signature of romance, grace, sensuality and underlining your femininity. A world that asks for the ultimate perfection on every surface, a language that’s fluently spoken in Maison Valentino. But we can all remember the Black Swan movie, and perfection sometimes drives you to the most dark places, so it felt like this collection was exploring both sides. Delicate tulle skirts with golden stars referred to the punk ballet style of Karole Armitage, an embellished black tutu worn over a chunky knit, laminated and artistic fringes dancing around the body, tutus worn as meagre tops and the guitar cross body straps. But also crystal-embroidered nude-color tulle dresses, fragile transparencies, silk stockings, fluid draperies, pale pink silk dresses and a blush coloured sequin dress worn over knitwear. We counted so many knockouts it’s impossible to mention them all. Their goal was to let us be in the moment, and only this moment. Which wasn’t a hard job with such a mesmerising collection in front of you and that was supported by an actual pianist who is playing compositions by John Cage and Philip Glass.

Kenzo Catwalk Fashion Show Paris Womenswear FW2016

“Our  KENZO  woman  for  Fall-Winter  2016/17  approaches  life  with  nonchalant conviction.  She tackles every adventure with an open mind and with respect for where she has previously tread”, reads the message of designers Carol Lim and Humberto Leon. Their collection was inspired by the manga character Sailor Moon, a group of Japanese schoolgirls in Tokyo who combat evil forces and stop them from taking over the universe. Each ‘soldier’ has a transformation sequence which grants her a uniform in her own theme-colors and her own powers. Sound quite spectacular right? So it was. It was one big line-up of ultra cool and feminine school girls walking down the runway, battling the world in some of the coolest outfits such as flowy dresses, velvet pants and skirts, cigarette pants and pumps with a rock ‘n’ roll vibe, a blue parka with hoodie detail and shirts and dresses with XXL ruffles. But they also wanted to create a collection which observes some of the house’s most notable codes. Thus we noticed some reworked archive prints and details: the Kenzo tiger was roaring again, with prints in gold and pink (even lavender tiger prints on nails, so cool!) and the famous Kenzo flowers (iris and dandelions), layered with psychedelic checks. The strong yet soft colour palette and use of fabric was stunning: navy, rust, lavender and ‘uniform’ gray swathe fabrics of flannel, satin, velvet, faux astrakhan, corduroy and vinyl. You better be careful, cause the Kenzo woman can take on anything and anyone (did we just hear someone roarrrr?!).

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